Chapter Text
Nights, a few weeks even had passed since he had visited the school roof for the first time. Tonight, Minato found himself there once more, accompanied by a persistent “friend”.
Sitting on one of the metal benches, Minato looked up to the night sky, sighing softly. He felt an odd connection to this place but knew it was for no good reason. Still, every time he left the apartment complex, he found himself there in the cold winter air. The doors were always open when he arrived, so why not? What harm could come from sitting here and meditating or practicing as if he were at home?
It didn’t help that it was still cold outside, being early January. He could see his breath with every exhale, mist almost clouding his vision. Perhaps winter wasn’t the perfect time to leave the indoors, but it didn’t bother him too much. As long as he took his coat and dressed in warm clothes, it shouldn’t be too bad, right? His double-breasted coat kept him almost perfectly warm as far as he was concerned.
“Minato,” a voice called from behind him, the owner hopping onto the bench beside him, “You have classes tomorrow, you’ll be tired if you stay for too long.”
Ryoji, the cat (and the owner of the voice) was the newest “installation” to his family. This would be completely fine with him if this installation wasn’t possibly shape-shifting a god of death who was here just to observe- to coach him. This would be fine if this installation wasn’t annoying with how much he worried. Ever since that night, this entity had followed him around nonstop.
It was more than annoying.
“I’ll go back soon-”
“You can’t keep coming here in the cold. You’ll get sick and have to miss school because of it...what’s more important? Trying to find a solution to something that’s not harming you outright or staying healthy and passing tests- of which you have two later today. ”
The cat beside him had disappeared now, a man around his age taking its place. Slicked back raven hair and a scarf around his neck, he seemed worried. Why did he care so much? The bluenette was unsure about why, especially since they had only met a month ago. He knew it was a direct result of his first visit, but what was keeping Ryoji from leaving him? What kept Ryoji from being rude or apathetic, as he was?
Minato tried his best not to be rude, but the sudden supervision was off-putting at best. For what felt like forever, it had just been him and Kotone- it had felt like only they were concerned for each other. Now there was a new entity in his life that- at the very least- appeared to be interested in his well-being. Why? Or why doesn’t he just ask?
“Why do you care?” he asks finally, giving the former cat his full attention now, “Isn’t it my fault if I catch a cold or fail? It doesn’t affect you.”
The ravenette seemed to be taken aback by his words as if assuming that the bluenette knew all along. The witch didn’t know what he was thinking at all. People were impossible to read, but Ryoji was worse. Looking down at him with that constant grin that only faded away when Minato was being “troublesome” or when he asked a genuine question, it was as if he was being patronized. Maybe if he answered anything he asked, Minato would take his advice and concerns into consideration.
“I’m stuck with you, why wouldn’t I-”
“But why are you stuck with me? You never answer my questions and you never talk about anything. All you do is worry about the small things.”
Arisato wasn't upset, he just wanted to know. The truth couldn’t be hidden from him for too long, but he didn’t have to be told anything. It would be easy to live without knowing what happened to him that day. Hell, it would be easier to live if he just wasn’t aware of magicks. His grandparents sure did try to hide it from him. All of this made him wish that they had been able to.
“...My apologies then,” Ryoji stood, reaching to loosen his scarf, “I should’ve explained everything when we met.”
Minato watched the ravenette with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Was he planning to spill everything now, or did he have to ask first? Whatever it was, he would listen intently, wanting to know every bit of information that was missing. Though, one question was for himself: Did he truly want to know what was happening? It would be easier to just leave it be.
“Did you... want to know anything in particular?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a few questions...First of all, who are you ? Why are you ‘ stuck with me ’?” he asked, remaining seated and calm. The witch wouldn’t waste energy on being upset about not getting answers sooner, but when was he ever upset? What good did getting upset ever do to better a situation? What good would come of making Ryoji feel unsettled or anxious about answering? It wouldn’t give him anything.
Though, he did watch as the shapeshifter played with his scarf. The bluenette didn't know what he was thinking at all, but he supposed that he was trying to figure out how to phrase what he was going to say.
“I’m a guide of sorts. I’m supposed to be helping you with your magick.” he answered after a moment, sounding honest yet restating something that he already knew, “That’s what you asked for when you came here the first time, right?”
That wasn’t true. That wasn’t what he asked when he meditated on this very bench a month ago. How had his words gotten strewn around and rearranged? Either way, he didn’t know how to go back on this. The contract he made didn’t have a way out.
No escape buttons, no “run” mechanic, and no canceling subscriptions.
“You sat here and demanded help, but there are certain things you have to learn to do on your own. The best you could get was a guide- me.”
“You couldn’t have explained this to me earlier? I’ve been trying to figure out why I can still see the dead for weeks now.” Minato’s eyes followed Ryoji as the other finally removed his scarf, wrapping it around him instead. He didn’t need it, he had a coat and a turtleneck, but he supposed that it was fine. Could Ryoji get cold though? Maybe not because he could always transform into an animal or hide in the messenger bag to keep warm.
He did just carry him all the way here in it, after all.
“In all fairness, I thought you’d have figured it out on your own. You’re smart...well, not smart enough to avoid going out in the snow in late winter.” the shapeshifter answered and the witch almost scoffed. Alright, maybe he could have researched before he attempted anything, but it wasn’t entirely his fault...or maybe it was. Chidori did mention that she might not be able to help him, so it was his mistake for being too optimistic. Ryoji smiled at him regardless, brushing the snow off of the rest of the bench so that he could sit. Minato scooted away to give himself more personal space.
“Those are my answers. Anything else or are we going home before you’re bedridden tomorrow?”
The witch thought for a moment. That was all he wanted to know, and it was all he could think of besides Ryoji’s true name. If that wasn’t what he wanted to be called, he didn’t make any objections to the anonym, so the bluenette assumed it was alright to continue calling him that. Besides, he might not like the answer that he was given. He could be some god...or something, it was unlikely that he had a god giving him advice.
From his relaxed position, Ryoji seemed to spring back up as if he had been pulled to his feet, his eyes darted toward the doors leading back into the school. Minato couldn’t help but look as well, seeing nothing but he suspected that someone was on their way up. Maybe he shouldn’t come up here more than twice a week. Either that or he shouldn’t leave the gate open when he does. It was a bit too late though if someone was investigating.
“ Ryoji, hide, ” he whispered urgently, opening the messenger bag for him. The shape-shifter obliged without complaint, changing into a small bird to fit. Scrambling to the bulkhead that would lead them back inside, the witch fastened the bag shut so nothing would fall out. If there was anything he didn’t need, it was to drop something like his journal or his phone. They were leaving as soon as possible, it wouldn’t be wise to come back for anything if someone was looking for trespassers.
There goes his privacy...though, maybe he could find somewhere to lock himself in.
The old nurse’s office should work, but it doesn’t have a lock...
Crouched beside the bulkhead, Minato listened to the sound of the door opening, able to see a beam of light protruding from the stairwell. There was no way that he would just be able to hide until this was over, but maybe he could rush past this person. It was a shame that he had to leave though, he was finally getting his answers. If he had the balls to, he could just slip into the nurse’s office while this stranger attempts to find him. If only he could find a way to get past.
“Hello?” a voice called, one that sounded his age, “Is anybody up here?!” The voice doesn’t sound scared, but rather confident. This person knows that he’s here and intends to catch him. It would be unwise to move now, he should wait until this person leaves or comes closer. That way, his exit won’t be blocked when he makes his dash towards the stairs.
“ Hey, I might have a plan … when I give the signal, throw something... ”
The witch watched as Ryoji poked his head from the bag, climbing out. Great, something that would possibly get the both of them in trouble. What was it? What miraculous scheme would make this guy leave? This better not get them both caught.
“ Go for it. ”
At the acknowledgment, the bird slowly shifted into a new form, a small boy in black and white striped clothes. Barefoot and without a coat, who wouldn’t pity a kid this young-looking? This child appeared very similar to Ryoji’s human form, or maybe even Minato when he was younger. Though there isn’t much time before the other starts moving, arms crossed as if he was cold. On second thought, maybe this would work out just fine.
“Oh...Hello there,” the voice is much softer now, likely trying to comfort the “little boy” that had appeared from their hiding spot, “What are you doing up here in the cold? It’s freezing...”
The witch peers at the two from behind the bulkhead, seeing how this played out before making his move. Though, when he finally caught a glimpse of the two, he was honestly surprised to see the owner of the voice taking off his coat and scarf to give to Ryoji. It ever-so-slightly made him feel rotten that this guy was being deceived- removing his only means of warmth to give to what he thought was a child that could experience cold. At least this guy had a sweater to wear- a black one, which would trap heat well.
The guy couldn’t be any older or younger than him, silver hair cut in a rather unfortunate bowl style that he oddly pulled off. Huh. His demeanor was calm and kind, maybe even peaceful. As he pulled his overcoat onto the faux child, however, he frowned. Was he worried for Ryoji? Then again, who wouldn’t be?
Ryoji killed this “helpless kid” act, even if he didn’t speak.
“C’mon, let’s get you somewhere warm, hm?” The man reached for Ryoji’s hand, likely not wanting to drag him through the snow but having to anyway. It wasn’t like you could just pick him up. Ryoji’s form seemed young, but it was fairly tall for a child as well. Likely in the range of eight to ten years old. Whatever his age was, he looked just too big to carry or to want to be carried.
When the “boy” took his hand, he coughed loudly but as realistically as possible, which Minato took as “the signal”. Rifling through his bag and moving slightly backward first, he pulled a pen from it, throwing it as hard as possible to the metal bench that he’d been sitting on not too long ago. A loud “ping” echoed for a few moments, silence following for even less.
“...Stay here. I’ll go see what that was, okay?”
The bluenette waited for the silver-haired man to move away from the doors, watching him pick up the pen before he made his move, darting back into the school and down the stairwell with Ryoji in tow. He could hear the man behind them, yelling for them to wait, but pressed on regardless. If he turned back, there was no doubt in his mind that he would be apprehended or- at the very least- questioned. He honestly couldn’t say that he felt like doing either.
Bold of him to assume that he’d allow himself to be caught though.
Minato didn't stop running until he reached the nurse's office, opening the door and shutting it behind the two of them as quickly as possible. The stranger sure was taking his time chasing them- either that or he had tripped on the stairs. Either way, he hadn’t slammed anything and his footsteps were rather light, so he doubted that anyone besides Ryoji knew exactly where they were. Though, now that they were here, what should they do? It wasn’t like there were any windows to climb out of…
The entire plan now relied on that “investigator” thinking they left instead of backing themselves into a corner.
Rather stupid plan isn’t it?
“ What now? ”
The ravenette had shifted back now, still wearing the coat and scarf gifted to him. The bluenette didn’t have an answer for him, sliding his back down the door. How did they know that he’d just give up and leave? He had looked oddly determined to catch any trespassers on the premises, so he would at least be back to check for who knew how long. Who was this guy anyway? Some detective?
“ I don’t know ,” he muttered back, leaning his ear against the wood to see if he could hear footsteps through it. Nothing, but he didn’t doubt the possibility that he was on his way. Damn, Minato knew that someone would investigate the “break-ins” (could you really call it a break-in if the doors were open for him?) sooner or later, but why did they have to get one of the supposedly justice-obsessed ones? Why not a cop in his late fifties or early sixties that couldn’t chase people anymore, and was looking for a way to go home before breakfast? This was bullshit.
Idiot, idiot, idiot.
“ He’s on his way… ”
“ I know…there’s nothing that we can do yet. ”
“ Are you saying that we should wait to see if he just leaves without his coat? And without knowing where I went? ”
“ I would have left, but I guessed he’d be expecting that… ”
As if that had triggered something, Minato became very much aware of the sound of heels against vinyl school flooring. Soon accompanied by the squeaking and screeching of sliding doors, it made a deadly combination. The witch could feel his heartbeat speed up as if it wasn’t pounding against his ribcage to begin with, covering his mouth with one hand to muffle his breathing. There wasn’t any use moving from the door, as that would only make enough noise to speed up the process of getting caught. Damn, this was scary…
Told you, now we’ve been caught.
Before he knew it, he felt the door slide out from behind himself, hitting the ground with a thud.
“Found you.”